Microplastics in Tea Bags: My Take as Turtle Moon's Herbalist
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Time to read 4 min
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Time to read 4 min
As the herbalist at Turtle Moon Wellness, blending teas is one of my passions. I've blended medicinal teas that taste good for years because teas should heal as much as they comfort. Lately, though, I've become aware of something concerning—microplastics in tea bags. It's a topic that's made me pause, reflect, and lean even harder into the loose-leaf teas I craft. Here's what I've learned, what it means, and why I'm so proud of what we're providing at Turtle Moon.
I get why tea bags are a hit. They're quick, tidy, and perfect for busy days. They started in the early 1900s, a fluke when a merchant sent tea samples in silk pouches, and they've evolved into the convenience we know today. But what I discovered is that tea bags are made of various materials. Many tea bags—especially those sleek pyramid ones—aren't just paper. They have plastics like nylon, polypropylene, or PET woven to keep them sturdy and sealed. It's clever but has a downside that can't be ignored.
A few years back, I read a study from McGill University that stunned me. They steeped plastic-based tea bags at 194°F—slightly below the usual brewing temp—and found one bag released billions of microplastic and nanoplastic particles into the cup. We're talking 11.6 billion microplastics and 3.1 billion nanoplastics in a single brew. As an herbalist, I am accustomed to considering the ingredients in my blends—every leaf, every root, every flower—but this? This was something new to contemplate.
I couldn't let it go, so I kept researching. A 2022 study confirmed it: even food-grade plastics in tea bags break down in hot water, shedding tiny bits into your drink. Microplastics are those little fragments under 5 millimeters, and nanoplastics are even smaller—small enough to make you wonder where they end up. It was hard to imagine them floating in a brew because tea is supposed to be pure, a gift from the earth.
The health piece is tricky. Scientists don't have a solid answer yet. Microplastics are everywhere—water, air, food—so tea's just part of the mix. Some say they might carry chemicals or slip into our cells, especially the nanoplastics. Others, like the World Health Organization, say there's no proven risk based on what we know now, though they want more studies. I'm not here to scare anyone—tea's still a joy—but I can't help wondering how those particles affect our health.
This is where Turtle Moon Wellness comes in. When I blend our teas, I think about the synergy of the herbs—how they come together to create a specific health benefit. I source the best herbs, mix them with care, and keep them loose. No bags, no plastics, just tea. That 2019 study hit me because it's the opposite of what I stand for. Why add something synthetic to something so natural? At Turtle Moon, we skip that step. Our teas are loose-leaf, always have been, and I'm prouder of that now than ever. With loose-leaf tea, you can be sure that what you're drinking is pure and free from unwanted additives and that you're getting the full health benefits of our herbs.
Tea companies have their side—some swear their plastics are safe, and others are switching to paper or plant-based stuff like PLA. I admire the effort; convenience has its benefits. For me, loose leaf isn't just about avoiding microplastics—it's about honoring the tea itself. Whole herbs carry more flavor and more life. Like the Calming Tea that melts stress, you taste it in our blends. It's tea as it's meant to be and what I pour for myself every day.
Before tea bags took over, loose leaf was the only way. It's simple: leaves, roots, and flowers cut, sifted, and certified. They're steeped straight in water with no mystery particles. I've spent years perfecting Turtle Moon's blends, and loose-leaf lets them shine. The flavor's fuller because the leaves aren't crushed into dust like you often find in bags. Plus, you can tweak it—more for a bold cup, less for a gentle one. It's hands-on, and I love that.
Brewing loose takes a bit longer, I'll admit. But it's become my ritual—scooping one of our Herbal Tea Blends into a tea maker and waiting for the magic to happen. It's a moment to breathe, to connect with what I'm making, knowing there's nothing in there but what I intended. That's peace of mind. The joy of brewing loose-leaf tea, the anticipation of that first sip, is an experience that I invite you to discover and enjoy.
If you're curious about loose leaf, I'd love to nudge you toward it. It's not hard—I promise. Here's how I do it with Turtle Moon's teas:
Our Turtle Moon teas are reasonably priced and are much more economical than tea bags. They're a slight shift with a big payoff. And remember, when you choose Turtle Moon, you're choosing pure, safe, and teas free from microplastics. That's a choice you can feel good about.
I'm not anti-tea bag—some volatile herbs like chamomile and mint lend themselves to tea bags. If you're sticking with tea bags, peek at the box. Some brands are going plastic-free, and I salute that. But for me, loose leaf is the way. It's not just about avoiding microplastics—it's the flavor, the health benefits, and the love I put into every blend I make for Turtle Moon. Science will keep digging, and maybe we'll get more precise answers someday. Regardless of what the scientists find out, the benefits of loose-leaf teas outweigh any inconvenience. At Turtle Moon Wellness, I pour my soul into loose-leaf blends that taste and feel good. Whether you're a tea bag fan or ready to try our teas, I'm here for you! ♡
Happy Brewing!
Kimberly
